Photography transcends the mere act of pressing a shutter button. What most people don’t remember is that it’s an art that’s meant to balance the technical skill, aesthetic vision, and ethical judgement of the photographer. Whether they’re capturing candid moments on the streets or shooting models for a fashion editorial, a photographer must consider not only the visual appeal of their images, but also the ethics behind them.
Though the ethics of photography have been an important consideration for practitioners since at least the 1980s, during a rapid technological revolution for the craft, they’ve become a lot more mainstream thanks to the further advancement and affordability of digital camera technology and the rise of social media. Now that more people have grown up with some sort of camera in their hands from a young age, more have become aware of the ethical consequences of shooting, uploading, and sharing photo media.
In street photography, for instance, contemporary approaches have evolved significantly from before. It is widely frowned upon for photographers to ambush pedestrians with their cameras in hand and flash at the ready—tactics that openly disregard the subject’s comfort and consent. Similarly, in the world of fashion photography, recent critiques have highlighted how excessive digital manipulation can create unrealistic representations of body image, thus impacting viewers’ perceptions of beauty and self-worth.
These examples underscore the need for both aspiring and professional photographers to reflect on the intent and implications of their work. In your case, knowing about the ethical dimensions of photography will be essential in your practice of ensuring that the images you take are not only visually compelling, but also responsibly and conscientiously produced.
Defining Ethical Photography and Its Importance to Aspiring Photographers
At its core, ethical photography is about the practice of capturing images with respect for the subject, viewer, and cultural context. Moreover, it’s also about adhering to moral principles that promote integrity in the work. Whether you’re snapping shots at a local event, heading a shoot at a Manchester photography studio, or documenting your life abroad as a budding travel photographer, the essence of ethical photography lies in your approach and intentions.
While photography can preserve some of life’s most authentic and meaningful moments, it also has the power to communicate and sometimes even manipulate reality. That’s why your practice of photography ethics is critical in building trust, especially among your viewers. When your viewers look at your photographs, they should be confident that these are fair representations of reality and not a distortion or disrespectful portrayal.
Ethical photography is centred on respect for photographic subjects, with the intent of protecting them from potential harm or exploitation. Conversely, unethical photography can lead to legal issues, damage professional reputations, and–most concerning of all—harm the individuals or communities being depicted.
If you want to be a professional photographer someday, your first goal shouldn’t be related to the execution of technique or the accumulation of fancy gear. It should be about practising sound decision-making for the benefit of your subjects and your viewers. Maintaining ethical standards as a photographer is not just about professionalism, but basic human decency.
Ways to Practise Ethical Photography
As you go deeper into the craft of photography, here are some fundamental practices to integrate into your processes to ensure your photography respects everyone involved:
Seek Consent from Your Potential Subjects
The topic of consent in photography is marked by varying opinions and practices, reflecting the diverse nature of the field. That said, consent should be your highest priority in ensuring ethical standards are met, particularly when in street photography where your eye may be drawn to an individual in a vulnerable situation (for example, someone unhoused or someone under the influence). While these stories need to be told, you may need more preparation before you can ethically capture these images, and you definitely shouldn’t do so if the other party is not ready to have that kind of story out in the world.
For commercial photographers, especially in fashion and portrait photography, obtaining explicit consent through model release forms is another standard practice you’ll have to observe. These forms legally protect the photographer and ensure that the subjects understand how their images will be used. So whether you’re doing outdoor photography or shooting in a studio, make sure your subject fills in a standard or simplified model release form so that you can use your photos for commercial and artistic purposes.
Practise Respect, Sensitivity, and Empathy
Some of the most memorable photographs in history are those captured by photographers who went out of their way to know their subjects before they captured their portraits.
One such historical photo is the Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange in 1936. This portrait of a worried mother and her children put a face on the Great Depression that swept the United States during this time. Before this shot was taken, the photographer got to know the woman, 32-year-old Florence Owens Thompson, and her 7 kids. Lange learned how the family survived on frozen vegetables and dead birds, and this moved her deeply.
To capture these moving photographs ethically, you have to engage with your subjects and learn their stories. This not only enriches your photographs, but also ensures you portray subjects with the dignity they deserve.
Being culturally sensitive and empathetic involves understanding the norms and expectations of different communities. This is especially important in a multicultural setting like the UK, where what is acceptable in one culture may be considered invasive or disrespectful in another.
Maintain the Integrity of the Photos When Editing
Post-processing is a standard part of digital photography, but remember that it’s vital for you to maintain the authenticity of your photographs. For starters, avoid alterations that could mislead viewers about the reality of the situation.
For example, enhancing the colours on a photo is usually acceptable, whereas adding or removing significant elements from the scene is not. Always ask yourself if the editing changes the narrative of the image; if it does, it’s likely unethical. As aspiring or professional photographers, it’s important to remember that the practice of ethical photography goes beyond avoiding legal ramifications or public backlash. Ultimately, it’s a huge part in one’s journey to be a better photographer, artist, and human being. Knowing this, let your photography be a force for good; let it mirror the truth of your world, and respect everyone who agrees to be in front of your lens.
